Central Chicago Loses Power

U.S.& Latin America - U.S. News to Note

October 9, 2000

CHICAGO -- A fire at an electrical substation caused a blackout across downtown Sunday, tangling traffic and stranding shoppers. Police on foot tried to direct pedestrians and motorists through a maze of darkened traffic signals. In some areas, motorists drove up on sidewalks to reach side streets in an effort to escape the mess. He said there were no immediate reports of accidents or people getting stuck in elevators.